THE WOLF. 



THE Wolf is an animal of the dog tribe, and it is in size 

 generally between the Mastiff and the Irish Hound or Wolf 

 Dog 1 . Its inclinations and habits are, however, very differ- 



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erit from those of the dog ; but this is no doubt, in a degree, 

 owing to circumstances ; for well corroborated instances 

 are known of its having been taken young, and well treated, 

 and showing attachment equal to that of the dog. It is, 

 however, far behind most breeds of the dog in sagacity. 

 Its skin is the only part of value to mankind. Thompson, 

 the poet, says of it : 



;; Cruel as death, and hungry as the grave ; 

 Burning for blood, bony, and gaunt and grim!" 



These animals generally hunt in company, pursuing and 

 slaying sheep, lambs, deer, horses, and, when pressed by 

 hunger, they will attack mankind also. 



They are most dangerous and ferocious in those coun- 

 tries where there is much snow, and in other countries in 

 the winter, as the snow prevents them from obtaining food 

 with facility. The common Wolf was formerly so nume- 

 rous in England, that King Edgar, nearly a thousand years 

 ago, changed the punishment for some offences into a de- 

 mand for a certain number of wolves' tongues from each 

 criminal ; and once converted a heavy and oppressive tax 



